CSA #4, 5¢ blue tied neat blue LYNCHBURG / Va.  / JUN / 25 (1862) cds single rate used less than a week before the rate change on July 1st. Addressed to “Mrs. Lucy G(atewood). Moncure, Care of John C. Teller, Esq., 2nd Audt. Office of Va, Richmond, Va.” on unlisted semi-official cover. The front of the cover is very lightly lined in gray and the top back flap has a green embossed oval of the SECOND AUDITORS OFFICE. RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. Displays nicely with the flap up.

WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MONCURE was born 1803. He married LUCY ANN GATEWOOD 1828. Soon after marriage, he become County Surveyor of Caroline County, later a member of the House of Delegates of Virginia and a State Senator. In 1856 or 1857 he become Second Auditor of Virginia, a position he held until his death in March 1862. The Virginia Historical Society has photographs of both from this prominent family on file.        

DEPOT ENGINEER’S SUPPLIES, ATLANTA, GA. imprinted semi-official envelope with handwritten notes “Government Funds Survey” and various spreadsheet figures such as “Lodging in Griffin 60.00”. Interesting and scarce imprint which is not listed in Dietz.. The rate to stay in Griffin overnight noted at $60.00 was likely a Confederate inflated rate.  Yet there is no guarantee that that docketing was not added well after the cover was used.  There is some possibility that it is prewar.

CSA #11, 10¢ blue tied neat blue COLUMBIA / S.C. / JUL 26 on State of South Carolina Executive Department semi-official addressed to “Miss Julia de Lagnel, Chester C.H. S.C.”, small repair at lower right cover corner otherwise Very Fine, Ex Cantey.

CSA #11b, 10¢ dark blue, large 4 margin copy tied by rare manuscript cancel of “Atlanta, Ga Feb 11, 1865” with State of Georgia/Commissary General's Office/Official Business imprint (similar to Dietz I, but with "Official Business" in top left corner) on cover to “Capt Young Garnett Assistant Commissary, Macon, Ga”   

On September 1, 1864, Confederate General John Bell Hood evacuated Atlanta, after a four-month siege mounted by Union General William Sherman and ordered all public buildings and possible Union assets destroyed. On September 2, the City was surrendered to Genl. Sherman, who sent a telegram to Washington reading, "Atlanta is ours, and fairly won". He established his headquarters there on September 7, where he stayed for two months. That same day, Sherman ordered the civilian population to evacuate. His forces occupied the city for several months, and he then ordered Atlanta burned to the ground on November 11 in preparation for his punitive march south. After a plea by Father Thomas O'Reilly of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Sherman did not burn the city's churches or hospitals. However, the remaining war resources were then destroyed in the aftermath and in Sherman's March to the Sea. General Sherman departed Atlanta at 7:00 a.m. on November 15. This use is probably after the Confederate re-occupation of Atlanta in 1865 as the Atlanta handstamps had been destroyed.

CSA #1, 5¢ green tied by RICHMOND / VA / NOV / 19 / 1861  ds on CSA General Post Office imprinted semi-official cover addressed to “Capn Colin D. Clarke, Care of Quarter Master, Manassas Junction, Va” with “Free/Official Business” crossed out at upper left. Military records show Collin (with two “l”s) Clarke as a Capt in Gen & Staff CS Infantry but that is all. “Virginia Cousins” by George Brown Goode shows Maj. Colin D. Clarke, CSA as a Quartermaster who died during the Peninsula campaign form the effects of exposure while on duty September 1862. Ex Tate.

RICHMOND / Va. / AUG / 6 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 Cts on lovely semi-official cover with imprint of Inspector General’s Office, Virginia Forces and small Virginia state seal at upper left., addressed to “C.Y. Thomas, Esq, Martinsville, Va.” and docketed “Genl Jno B. Baldwin 5th Augst 1861” with matching letterhead headed Richmond HdQts August 5, 1861, an ALS signed “John B(rown). Baldwin, Ins Genl Va Forces” discussing with frustration the volunteers forces , to wit, “I have thus far found it to be beyond my power to get correct lists of companies to say nothing of individuals”. This wonderful cover is to and from two anti-secession political giants of the era.  Ex Lemley 

John Brown Baldwin, a lawyer, was a dogged opponent of secession. Brown graduated from University of Virginia in 1839 and was an influential political figure in Virginia during the Civil War era and a leader of the nearly successful Unionist effort to prevent the State's secession. But when Virginia did secede, he remained with his state and was elected to two terms in the Confederate House of Representatives. Following the War, he served two terms as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Baldwin then became a leader of the Virginia Conservative party. He narrowly lost the party's gubernatorial nomination in 1868. Much has been written of his career. Brief military record also included; he resigned his commission to accept seat in the House.

C. Y. Thomas was a man of more than ordinary distinction in Virginia, an attorney of ability who served in the Virginia senate before the War and struggled in vain against secession. Despite this, he held the office of commonwealth attorney during the War and was appointed by the Confederacy to distribute supplies to the needy families of Confederate soldiers. After the war he was appointed Military Governor of Virginia.

CSA #12, 10¢ blue bottom sheet margin copy (small sealed tear at top) tied RICHMOND / Va. / OCT / 2 / 1863 cds on Commonwealth of Virginia Executive Department. (Official Business) imprinted turned cover addressed to “Mrs. A. C. Hopkins, Hampden Sidney College, Prince Edward Co., Va.”; inside use franked with CSA #11 used with manuscript cancel of Paineville, Va. Dec 15th addressed to “Revd A. C. Hopkins, Chaplain 2nd Regt Va Vols, ‘Stonewall’s Brigade’, Johnson’s Division, Ewell’s Corps, A.N.V.” (Army of Northern Virginia). Military bio enclosed of Abner Crump Hopkins, a 26 year old Presbyterian minister from West Virginia when he enlisted. The Second Virginia was organized in Charlestown (West) Va April 18, 1861 – the day after Virginia joined the Confederacy. Wonderful military address – great uses on both sides of this turned cover. Hopkins was involved with the John Brown affair and an alum of Hampden Sidney. Some edge wear strengthened with silking and tip of flap restoration, but overall nice condition and two lovely uses. 

CSA #2, 10¢ blue pair of Paterson prints(small scuffs) tied RICHMOND / Va. 1862 cds on Dietz type 1a CSA POD Auditor’s Office imprinted envelope used unofficially, double weight rate addressed to “W. J. Houston, Esq., Atlanta, Georgia”. Envelope intentionally enlarged to accommodate contents by means of a piece of another envelope. Interesting make-shift and scarce double rate with interesting back story. 

DR. CHAPMON POWELL'S "MEDICINE HOUSE" AND W.J. HOUSTON PLANTATION: About 1826, Dr. Chapmon Powell erected a log cabin beside the Shallowford Trail near this site. His Indian patients called it the "Medicine House". His cabin had been relocated onto this site by 1863 when Powell's son-in-law, Washington Jackson Houston (pronounced Hows-ton) purchased about 600 acres of Powell's farm lands, enlarged the cabin, and built a mill on the South Fork of Peachtree Creek. Powell's original log cabin in now part of the plantation complex at Stone Mountain.

CSA #11, 10¢ blue tied part strike of RICHMOND / Va on Confederate States of America Executive Department, (Official Business.) imprinted cover (top back flap missing) addressed to “Mrs. Mary Taylor Care of Maj. Brown Care of Dr. Austin, Greenville, S.Car” where crossed out and manuscript “For(warde)d 10” to ??fordsville, N.C. with GREENVILLE C.H. / S.C. cds. Austin is likely W. L. M. Austin, Captain of Company,  Davis Guards from Greenville, SC - later surgeon. Scarce forwarded semi-official.

CSA #12, 10¢ blue tied RICHMOND / VA on Confederate States of America Post Office Department Auditor (crossed out) imprinted envelope used unofficially to “Miss Lucy T. Braxton, ‘Chericoke’ Old Church P.O., Hanover Co., Va.”; bottom right of cover restored. Chericoke is the 1700s plantation home built by Declaration of Independence signer Carter Braxton. He was named for his grandfather, Robert Carter, who was nicknamed "King Carter" because he owned 42 plantations. Chericoke burned down while he was in Philadelphia serving in the Continental Congress, but it was rebuilt it in the late 1830s by one of his sons and is as it stands today. De La Rue imprint under the flap on verso. The 02.16.16 on the front is believed to be a museum record number.

CSA #12, 10¢ blue with large to huge margins all around tied RICHMOND / Va. / JUL / 5 (1864) cds on State of Virginia, Executive Department. imprinted envelope with “Manufactured by Waterlow & Sons 65 to 68 London” under top flap with embossed tip. Addressed to “C.Y. Thomas, Esq, Martinsville, Henry Co., Va.” Signed on verso by former owner Peter W. W. Powell. To and from two political giants -" Extra Billy" Smith and C.Y. Thomas.

Governor (and General) William Smith, nicknamed “Extra Billy” (September 6, 1797 – May 18, 1887) was a lawyer, congressman, two time Governor of Virginia and one of the oldest Confederate generals. He established a line of United States mail and passenger post coaches through Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia in 1831. It was in this role that he received his nickname. Given a contract by the administration of President Andrew Jackson to deliver mail between Washington, D.C. and Milledgeville, Georgia. Smith extended it with numerous spur routes, all generating extra fees. During an investigation of the Post Office department, Smith's extra fees were publicized and he became known as "Extra Billy." At the beginning of the war, Smith declined to accept a commission as brigidier general because he rightly admitted he was "wholly ignorant of drill and tactics" but accepted a colonel’s commission. He served as Governor for the second time from January 1, 1864, to the end of the war. His extensive and diguished biography is easily found online.

C. Y. Thomas was a man of more than ordinary distinction in Virginia, an attorney of ability who served in the Virginia senate before the War and struggled in vain against secession. Despite this, he held the office of commonwealth attorney during the War and was appointed by the Confederacy to distribute supplies to the needy families of Confederate soldiers. After the war he was appointed Military Governor of Virginia.

U.S. 3¢ star-die entire with Confederate States of America Post Office Department Official Business Chief of the Finance Bureau type IV imprint used with type 6I RICHMOND / VA. / JAN / 15 (1864) cds and straightline FREE, signature of Jno. L. Harrell, addressed to “P.M. Pioneers Mills Cabarrus Co NC”, bit reduced at right.

U.S. 3¢ Nesbitt entire with Confederate States of America Post Office Department Official Business Chief of the Finance Bureau type V imprint used with type 6 RICHMOND / VA. / MAR / 17 (1864) cds and straightline FREE, signed Jno L. Harrell on official business addressed to “P.M. Harrington, Harnett Co., NC” with docketing up left side “Instructions in regard to Confederate money”. Backstamp of illustrious former postal stationery student Marcus White. 

RICHMOND / VA. / AUG / 7 / 1861 cds and straightline FREE used on Confederate States of America Post Office Department Official Business Chief of the Appointment Bureau and signed B.N. Clements on blue legal size envelope, unlisted in New Dietz, addressed to “Rueben J. Thom, Esq., Fredericksburg, Va.” with shaky docketing in elderly script (Thom, the revered postmaster, was in his eighties at that time) “Forms of Oaths Postmaster Mail Messengers of Confederacy” with rare original “Mail Messenger Service” receipt, although not of proper date. It is dated 31 march 1862 from R. J. Thorn for $60 who delivered first quarter of 1862 obligation to Joshua Hudson, messenger for delivery to the Auditor, Joshua, apparently unable to write who acknowledged receipt with “his mark”. Envelope docketing indicates the original enclosure may have related to the form of an oath for the postmaster mail messenger. Cover with edge tears and faults. 

RICHMOND / Va. / NOV / 20 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 Cts on General Head-Quarters Adjutant General’s Office-Virginia with state seal at left, New Dietz imprint type V, addressed to “Col. No R. Copeland, 59 R(egt) Suffolk, Nansemond Co” (now Suffolk County), with pencil docketing “Robert Skinner on the Keeling favor”. The 59th Virginia Volunteers were under General Wise. After the war, Copeland was President of the Farmer’s Bank of Suffolk. Manuscript “Ch” (charge) and “R” which seem to indicate the indistinct postmark as November 20, 186. Postmaster Steger eliminated charge accounts upon taking office in September 1862 from Postmaster Bigger. Top back flap missing, sealed tear at left into state seal and small tear at top right not into imprint. Ex Lemley.

CSA #7, 5¢ blue pair used with manuscript “C Ct House (Campbell Court House) 22 Jany 63” cancel to “Mrs. Mary White Shober, Salisbury, N. Carolina” with large spectacular and unique imprint of Campbell (County) Clerk’s Office / Jno. D. Alexander, Clerk which cover back flaps. Cover tears along right side and bit of top back flap. 1994 CSA certificate #02584. A stunning and rare imprint. Click on thumbnails individually to enlarge

RICHMOND / Va. / MAR / 4 / 1862 cds with matching DUE 5 on Official Business imprinted legal size envelope with no imprinted designation of origin - signed by “C(harles) B(ell) Gibson, Surg(eon) PACS (Provisional Army Confederate States) at upper left. Gibson was in charge of General Hospital No. 1 in Richmond and the first Surgeon General of Virginia, appointed by Gov. John Letcher as such on April 15, 1861 before Virginia joined the Confederacy. Addressed to “Capt. F(rancis). P. Miller, Company K 21st NC Regiment, Manassas” (Army of Northern Virginia) of Forsyth County, NC, who was later killed at Sharpsburg at age 29. His general said of him “a brave soldier, he fought in many battles.”

CSA #11, 10¢ blue tied RICHMOND / Va. / JUL / 16 (1864) cds, type 5f postmark with reverse bar under day logo for year, on CSA Treasury Department, type IIa imprinted semi-official envelope with De La Rue & Co. London embossing on reverse, top back flap missing. $600.

CSA #12 (KB),10¢ deep blue tied RICHMOND / VA. / APR / 1 (1864)cds on immaculate blue cover with type I imprint of Confederate States of America Bureau of Conscription, Official Business, stamp with 4 huge margins, addressed to “Mrs. Louisa B. Turner, Care of J. Lamb Wilcox Esq. Charles City C.H., Virginia”. $700.

CSA #12 (AD), 10¢ blue (4 margins) tied CHARLESTON / S.C. / SEP / 27 cds on pristine cover with imprint of Confederate States of America Head Quarters, Department of So. Ca., Ga. and Fla., Official Business. Addressed to “Miss Julia McLord, Greenville, South Carolina”. $500.

CSA #12 (AD), 10¢ blue (3 margins) tied SAVANNAH / GA. / Paid / DEC / 30 (1863) cds on cover with imprint of Confederate States of America Head Quarters Military District of Georgia, Ordnance Bureau, Official Business. Not currently listed in New Dietz., Addressed to “Mrs. J. L. Boatwright, Columbia, S.C. Original 2-page personal letter on matching imprinted letterhead (illegal – should be official business only on such letterhead). The letter is from Capt. John L. Boatwright, a staff officer in the Confederate States service, to his wife saying, in part, “I have been riding all having…inspecting all the Batteries on the coast around this city...” plus lengthy passionate “missing you”. Letter has one short fold reinforced with archival tape and some fold splits. Very nice showy and obviously scarce matching pair. $700.

CSA #7, 5¢ blue vertical pair tied RICHMOND / VA. / DEC / 4 cds on Confederate States of America Executive Department, (Official Business.) imprinted semi-official cover addressed to “Mrs. Mary J. Bromlee, Greenville, Augusta County, Va.”;  flap tears extending over the top to the front above but not into the imprint. $650.

CSA #6, 5¢ blue single tied RICHMOND / VA. / MAY / 2 (1862) cds on type I Confederate States of America Quartermaster General’s Office imprinted semi-official envelope (small legal size) to “Capt. J. S. Powell, Asst. Quarter Master, Gordonsville, Va.” Gordonsville was a major supply depot and railroad junction in central Virginia. Few tiny edge tears otherwise Very Fine. $450.

RICHMOND / Va. / NOV / 1 cds with matching straightline FREE on Confederate States of America Post Office Department, Chief of the Finance Bureau official used on 3¢ star-die entire and signed by A. Dimitry, head of same. Official Business to the postmaster at Dry Creek, S.C., small edge tears acrss the top and flap faults otherwise Fine $500.

CSA #7, 5¢ blue pair tied RICHMOND / Va. cds on legal-sized CSA Subsistance Bureau imprint semi-official nelveope to “Maj. W. I. Hawks, C.C. Guineys, Va.” with docketing “Requisitions for stationery 1863 2nd quarter” with the actual original “Requistion for Stationery for the use of the Commissaries of D.H. Hills Div for the 2d Qr in 1863 with a detailed list of specifics such as blotting pad, steel pens, mucilage, carmine ink, etc. and stating “I certify that the above requisition is correct and necessary for the use of the Commissaries of this Division and that none of the articles above specified have been drawn for the time required. B. C. Adams Maj & Co D.H. Hills Div”. A wonderful original document and cover. $550.

Wells Joseph Hawks was in the 2nd Va Infantry as a Capt. And then transferred to the CSA Commissary Dept in Field & Staff – Stonewall Jackson’s Chief of Commissary and later on the staff of Generals Ewell, Early and Lee. Detailed bio enclosed which includes his photo.

Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Chief of the Finance Bureau imprinted official envelope signed Harrell to P.M. at Hales Ford, Va. with straightline FREE on 3¢ star-die #U27 $350.

Confederate States of America, War Department imprinted semi-official addressed and hand carried to “Hon James M. Baker, C.S. Senate”. Baker County, Florida was created in 8 Feb 1861, formed from New River County, and was named for for James McNair Baker, judge and Confederate Senator. Although he initially opposed secession, once done, he supported the decision of his adopted state. He was born and educated in North Carolina at Davidson College, a respected lawyer and judge by profession before and after the war.  $300.

Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Chief of the Appointment Bureau imprinted official envelope signed B.N. Clements to P.M. at Mayo, Va. with straightline FREE on 3¢ star-die #U27, top back flap missing otherwise Fine $250.

CSA #7, 5¢ blue pair tied double strike of RICHMOND / VA. / SEP / 8 cds on Commonwealth of Virginia Executive Department imprinted envelope addressed to Mrs. A. P. Hopkins, Hampden Sidney College, Prince Edward Co, Va; turned use with CSA #12, 10¢ blue affixed to back flaps, manuscript canceled H.S. College, Va. Sept 12 / 63 and addressed to Rev. A. C. Hopkins, Chaplain 2nd Regt Va Vols, Stone Wall Brigade, Johnson’s Division, Ewell’s Corp, A.N.V. (Army of Northern Virginia). Wonderful address and stellar cover which displays beautifully. $750.

Abner Crump Hopkins (1835-1911) was Chaplain of the 2nd Va Regiment, General T. J. Jackson’s Brigade. Hewas an 1855 graduate of Hampden Sydney College and a Presbyterian minister. He was commissioned Chaplain of the 2nd Va Inf 5/3/1862 and was later promoted Chaplain of the entire 2nd Corps ANV and during this time was Stonewall Jackson’s personal chaplain. After the war, he lived in Charlestown, West Virginia.

CSA #12, 10¢ blue (4 margins) tied by neat RICHMOND / VA. / SEP / 18 [1864] used over Confederate States of America Subsistence Department imprinted semi-official cover to William Pollock, Esq., Fredericksburg, Va. with original letter inside headed Richmond Sepr 17, 1864 from J. M. Herndon answering his letter concerning Central RailRoad coupons. Very Fine $350.

RICHMOND / Va. / JUN  cds with matching straightline FREE on Confederate States of America Post Office Department, Chief of the Appointment Bureau official used on 3¢ star-die entire and signed by B. N. Clements, head of same. Official Business to the postmaster at Pioneer Mills, Cabarras Co, N.C., flap faults otherwise Fine $450.

RICHMOND / VA. / OCT / 20 / 1862 cds and straightline FREE used on Confederate States of America General Post Office Department, Official Business., Chief of the Contract Bureau imprinted official envelope signed by Henry St. George Offutt, head of same. Totally pristine example of this addressed to the P(ost) M(aster) of Fredericksburg, Va. Tiny tear at to right; as clean as they possibly come. $450.

CSA #12A, 10¢ milky blue (4 margins, gum stains) tied oxidized blue RALEIGH / N.C. / MAY double circle cancel with two more strikes at left on pale green C.S. Locomotive Shops, Raleigh, N.C. semi-official cover (imprint crossed out as private use) to Lt. A. B. Shepperson, Salisbury, N.C. ; Nice use. $325.

Alfred B. Shepperson enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant on 71-15-61 into Co. F 59th VA Infantry but transferred into Co. C, 60th VA Infantry on 8-13-61 and then Co. H of 60th VA.

U.S. 3¢ Nesbitt with imprint of Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the [Co]ntract Bureau with Richmond, Va Apr 29, 1863 cds and straightline FREE, signed by St. G[eorge] Offutt, addressed to Franklin, N.C. where marked “Miss[en]t & for[warde]d” to Franklinsville – the last few letters added by the Franklin postmaster.  $450.

U.S. 3¢ Nesbitt with imprint of Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief Clerk P.O. Department signed by J. E. Gu……, Clrk (not the usual by B. Fuller) with Richmond, Va. March 8 cds and straightline FREE, to W. B. Payne, Esq, Route Agent, Richmond, Va so local use which would have been 2¢ had it been paid. Envelope soiled and large sealed tear across top back flap extending across upper left corner. $150.

CSA #1, 5¢ green (small faults) tied blurry Richmond, Va cds on Confederate States of America, Post Office Department imprinted cover front (no back) used privately, addressed to Dr. W. R. Ezell, Gholsonville, Brunswick Co Va; stain at right on stamp and cover  $200.

U.S. 3¢ star-die with imprint of Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the [Co]ntract Bureau (“Co” filled in in pen) with Richmond, Va Apr 29, 1863 cds and straightline FREE, signed by H. St. G[eorge] Offutt, addressed to Carnot Posey Esq, C.S.L. Attorney, Woodville, Miss.; sealed tears and staining  $200.

Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the Finance Bureau. Signed by Jno. Harrell on clean envelope addressed to P.M. Taylors Creek So Ca. Very Fine $450.

Confederate States of America, Department of State imprinted envelope used with [Richmond] PAID 5 Cts handstamp, addressed to General Howell Cobb, Goldsboro, No. Car.; upper left opening corner tear and tiny tear above imprint.  Howell Cobb served as president of the Confederate Provisional Congress (1861-62) and a major general of the Confederate army. His personal history is well-known and illustrious. $200.

Confederate States of America, Treasury Department imprinted envelope franked with CSA #12-KB, 10¢ dark blue addressed to C.H. Sutton, Esq., C.S. Depy, Clarksville, Ga. with forwarded with Clarksville, Va. cds and marked “Missent” in pencil; bit of vermin damage at left edge at flap faults. $200.

CSA #11-AD, 10¢ blue barely pen tied on clean cover imprinted with Confederate States of America, War Department, War Department, Nitre and Bureau, Official Business., addressed to Capt. John Endey, Jamestown, N.C.;  large sealed tear across bottom right, bottom back flap missing  $150.

Confederate States of America, War Department, War Department, Nitre and Bureau, Official Business., no stamp and barely visible unidentified postmark over imprint; addressed to Mrs. Jas M. Hull, Care A. McAlfin, Savannah, Geo; top back flap missing  $130.

CSA #11-KB, 10¢ dark blue tied SPARTANBURG / S.C. // APR / 1 [1865] cds on fresh State of South Carolina, Executive Department imprinted envelope addressed to General W. W. Harllee (sic), Mars Bluff, S.C.; slightly reduced at top, Very Late use of Keatinge & Ball print just before Lee’s surrender on April 9th; Harlee was Brig. Gen. of the State Militia. $450.

CSA #12-KB, 10¢ blue (4 margins, gum stains) tied oxidized blue COLUMBIA / S.C. cds on pale green C.S. Locomotive Shops, Raleigh, N.C. semi-official cover (imprint crossed out as private use) to Lt. A. B. Shepperson, Salisbury, N.C.; small corner tear at upper left. Ex MacBride, Bogg and Kohn $300.

Alfred B. Shepperson enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant on 71-15-61 into Co. F 59th VA Infantry but transferred into Co. C, 60th VA Infantry on 8-13-61 and then Co. H of 60th VA.

CSA #12-AD, 10¢ blue tied by neat bold RALEIGH / N.C. // 26 double circle cancel with month intentionally blanked out , Quartermaster’s Department, Raleigh, N.C., Official Business imprinted cover with pre-printed address to Officer Commanding Co. with “G. 5th Confederate Infantry A.N. Va” filled in by script. Penciled “Can’t Locate” on the face; part of top back flap missing and sealed bottom flap tear. Most interesting cover from several aspects.  $450.

RICHMOND / Va. // OCT / 9 cds with matching straightline FREE used over 3¢ Nesbitt Confederate States Post Office Department / Chief of the Appointment Bureau official envelope signed by B.N. Clements to P.M. Fredericksburg, Va. with two notations of “Iron Mail Key” on the face (not sure to what this refers unless possibly a post box). Nesbitt entires are much scarcer than Star-Die envelopes.  The Postmaster General and various Post Office officials were afforded the franking priviledge which was abolished in most other areas of mail. Ex Hedin. $650.

FREE (printed “rate”) on Confederate States of America / Post Office Department / Auditor's Office imprinted (Dietz type XIII) cover without signature or postmark thus assumed Richmond, addressed the Postmaster at Halesford, Va., reduced at left, Scarce.  $250.

CSA #12, 10¢ blue (4 margins) tied by red RALEIGH / N.C. double circle pmk and second strike at right on Adjutant General's Office imprinted semi-official on blue cover to Col. A. A. Harbin, 77th Regt. N.C. M[ilitia], (Senior Reserves of men between the ages of 45-50 who rendered good service, a portion being under fire) Statesville, N.C.; Ex Judd  $400.

RICHMOND / Va. / DEC / 4 / 1862 cds on pristine legal size envelope imprinted Auditors Office POD Official Business FREE, Dietz type VI, signed by J. M. Robertson, Acting Auditor to “Post Master, Gravel Hill Virginia”, tear in flap otherwise Extremely Fine. $400.

CSA #12, 10¢ blue (4 large to huge margins) tied blue COLUMBIA / S.C. // OCT / 31 cds on semi-official cover with Headquarters / Conscript Department / Columbia S.C. / Official Business imprint (Deitz type IV) to Mr. J. Dunrlu Sullivan, Greenville S.C.; forwarded to Williamston with black Greenville C.H., S.C. / Nov / 2 cds and manuscript "forwd 10"; a lovely cover with lots extra going for it. Ex Finney, Rosenberg, Powell  $950.

CSA #12-KB, 10¢ dark blue Keatinge & Ball tied GORDONSVILLE / Va. / 22 (no month visible) on “O.B.” (Official Business) ms cover to the postmaster at Halesford, Va.; small tear at top  $90.

RICHMOND / Va. / OCY / 10 / 1861 cds on legal size envelope with matching handstamped PAID 10 to Surgeon J[ohn]. H[arrison]. Hunter, General Hospital, Warm Springs, Virginia with manuscript “Official Business” at top right and “Invoices” contents docketing up left side; war weary cover with wrinkling and edge restorations but very presentable, Ex Dietz. $100.

“In early September, Hunter received orders to establish a convalescent hospital in a house at Warm Springs, Virginia. For the next three months he hired nurses and cooks, tended to the sick, and completed the copious amounts of paperwork demanded by the Surgeon General's Office. In December 1861 he was appointed to inspect and inventory hospital property at the three small hospitals in Warm, Hot, and Healing Springs. They were apparently being closed.” Source: John Harrison Hunter Papers, 1842-1888, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library. Much more information on Hunter available through them.

CSA #1, 5¢ green tied RICHMOND / Va. / JUN / 10 / 1862 cds with heavy pre-use crease and hinged in place over Quartermaster's Office Camp Pickens (Manassas) imprinted semi-official (Dietz type III) to Mrs. Geo. F. Whittington, Farmville, Va Care of Rev. W. C. Blount; reduced irregularly at right. $100.

CSA #11, 10¢ blue (top right corner missing) tied RICHMOND / Va. / NOV / 28 [1863] cds on blue cover with manuscript “Q.M. Generals Office / Official Business” to Mr. Ro[bert]. M. Livingston, Mobile, Ala. with docketing up left side “Q M General Nov 27 1863”. On verso is penciled “Gen. Alexander R. Lawton letter enclosed”. Unfortunately, the letter appears to have been separated over the years. Lawton was seriously wounded early in the morning of September 17, 1862, while defending his portion of the Army of Northern Virginia line at the Battle of Antietam. In August 1863, Lawton became the Confederacy’s second Quartermaster General. $350.

CSA #7, 5¢ blue vertical pair tied RICHMOND / Va. / DEC / 3 cds over Confederate States of America / Treasury Department / First Auditors Office semi-official imprint (Dietz type I); addressed toW. J. Houston, Esq, Atlanta with manuscript routing endorsement "A.&W.P. R.R. Office" (Atlanta West Point Rail Road) at bottom left, pair moved to side to reveal imprint, bit reduced at top.  $300.

CSA #8, 2¢ brown red tied on blue legal size cover by a partial strike RICHMOND / VA. / MAY cds, cover contained court documents and is addressed to “Clerk of the Hasting Court, Staunton, Va.”, manuscript "Due 8cts" added to make up the 10¢ rate (quite scarce thus) "State of Virginia Executive Department" semi-official imprint at the lower left, embossed imprint of Waterlow & Sons London under the backflap. Cover slightly folded down all around to make more presentable due to edge wear. Ex Weill and Cipolla  $2,200.

MILLEDGEVILLE / Ga. cds with matching handstamped PAID 10 on State of Georgia / Adjutant & Ins. Genl’s Office imprinted semi-official; addressed to Col. S. C. Dobbs, A.D.C., Jasper, Pickens Co., Ga with wonderful matching letterhead dated Milledgeville, March 29, 1864 saying that the “Governor immediately ordered Captain Cowan to repair at once to Morganton with what portion of his mounted force he may have organized telegraphing the order to Colonel Galt and directing him to instruct Captain Cowan to advise with you. This the Governor believed to be the most prompt and effectual means at his Command for the relief of the inhabitants in your Military District from the ravages of the times and desserters that you report. Captain Cowan is ordered to go at once. The order has been repeated by mail to ensure its execution. Very Respectfully Your obt. Servt Henry C. Wayne, A & I Genl." (Adjutant & Inspector General)  $600.

Henry Constantine Wayne (1810 –1883) was an  US Army officer before the War, and is known for his commanding the expedition to test the US Camel Corps as part of Secretary of War Jefferson Davis’ plan to use camels as a transport in the  West. Wayne was  Confederate Adjutant and Inspector General for  Georgia and a Confederate Brigadier General.

Treasury Department, C.S.A. / Treasurer’s Office, pristine unused white semi-official envelope, Extremely Fine $75.

Treasury Department, C.S.A. / Treasurer’s Office, pristine unused pale blue semi-official envelope, Extremely Fine $75.

CSA #12-AD, 10¢ blue, tied Army of Northern Virginia target cancel over “Official Business” imprinted semi-official cover to Mrs. Mary E. Schooler, Guiney’s Deport, R & F Rail Road, Caroline Co, Va; most of top back flap missing $190.

US #U27, 3¢ star-die entire imprinted with Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Chief of the Appointment Bureau official envelope signedB.N. Clements to Postmaster, Silver Creek, Lawrence Co, Miss.; small flap tears otherwise Very Fine. $500.

COLUMBIA / S.C. // MAR blue cds with matching handstamped PAID in circle and faintest “10”on blue cover imprinted “Official Business / Medical Purveyor’s Office, C.S.A., Columbia, S.C.”, addressed to Mrs. Harriet McBee, Ladies Hospt., Greenville, So Ca.; part of back flap missing and bit worn and stained but scarce.  $300.

Mrs. W. Pinckney (Harriet) McBee was president of the first hospital in Greenville which was in the Male Academy. All sick and wounded soldiers were carried there and personally attended by the ladies of the Soldiers' Relief Association and physicians of the town. Clean beds and good food were provided, and servants to assist in caring for them. Quilts were made and kept washed for the use of the hospital. Committees of ladies relieved each other. Housekeepers were notified when their turn came to provide meals. Good milk, and any delicacy a soldier fancied, was provided, if possible.

CSA #7, 5¢ blue pair tied blue COLUMBIA / S.C. // JAN / 27 cds on imprinted envelope of Head-Quarters, / Medical Department, Conscript Serv[ice] / Columbia, S.C. / Official Business, reduced at right bit into imprint. Addressed to Mrs. Julia Cade, Anthonys Shoals Elbert County, Georgia with signature on face that appears to be last name of Waller.  $250.

CSA #6, 5¢ blue pair tied RICHMOND / Va. // JUL / 13 / 1862 cds on Virginia Executive Department all-over imprint semi-official envelope addressed to Judge Wm. J. Robertson, Charlottesville, Va.; file creases through cover and stamps as well as unfortunate small piece out at top into imprint and top back flap missing. $110.

CSA #2-HL, 10¢ dark blue (defective) tied AUGUSTA / GA double circle pmk on AUGUSTA ARSENTAL, Official Business imprinted semi-official addressed to Capt Clifton H. Smith, Genl Beauregards Hd. Qrs., Manassa, Virginia. Flap tears extending over the top to left and clear of imprint, bit rumpled but still scarce and attractive. Smith was Assistant Adjutant General. $220.

Virginia Executive Department all-over semi-official hand carried to Miss Hettie Cary, Clifton House, Richmond, Virginia. Clifton House was a Civil War hospital. See my June 2007  column "Hetty likes them that way: gilt edged with stars!"  for the tragic love story of Hetty Cary and Gen. John Pegram. They were engaged for three years and married only three weeks to the day before he was sadly struck down leading a charge at Hatchet’s Run in February 1865 so close to the end of the war. Superb, Ex Cantey and Northcutt.  $250.

CSA #2-Ye, 10¢ light milky blue Stone Y tied double strike of CHARLESTON / S.C. cds  on semi-official imprinted  cover of Head Quarters. / Department of South Carolina and Georgia, addressed to Gov[ernor] John L. Manning, Columbia, So. Ca. from A.G. Rice, Dec 1862; restored pieces at top edge; Ex Northcutt. $200.

Gov. John Lawrence Manning was the son of former Governor Richard Irvine Manning and by 1860 was one of the richest men in the state as a planter and master of the Manchester plantation. Her served as a member of the SC House and Senate before being elected Governor for 1852-54. Manning was a member of the Secession Convention and a signor or the Ordinance. During the early part of the war, he was a colonel on General Beauregards’s staff during the bombardment of Ft. Sumter and in Virginia during the early campaigns.

CSA #2-Y (Scott 2-e), 10¢ light milky blue, two Stone Y singles tied together on legal size envelope by blue COLUMBIA / S.C. // NOV / 13 cds on imprinted envelope of Head-Quarters, / Commissary General’s Department. Addressed to W. F. B. Haynesworth, Esq, Secty & Tr. S. B.R., Sumter, S.C.  File folds and wear but very scarce use of more than one Stone Y on cover.   $550.

Surgeon General’s Bureau. State of South Carolina imprinted legal size semi-official envelope addressed simply to “Dr. Haywood” and at lower left “Pass Dr. Haywood on State Service, R. W. Gibbes, M.D., Surgeon General” signed in his hand.  To and from famous physicians of the war.  $80.

Dr. Edmund Burke Haywood (1825-1894) established the first Confederate hospitals in North Carolina. Because of its location, it was called the State Fair Grounds Hospital. In 1864 Haywood took over the administration of the new Pettigrew Hospital and the Peace Institute (College) Hospital as well. In spite of chronic shortages of medicines, food and staff, Haywood became known for his excellent management, medical skills and compassion. During the war, he treated both Southern and Northern soldiers, and if need be, paid the cost of getting the soldier home after he was healed enough to travel.
Dr. Robert Wilson Gibbes (1809-1866) was Surgeon General of South Carolina during the war and on the job from the first shots at Fort Sumter.

Confederate States of America, Head Quarters, Dept. No. 1, Official Business imprinted legal size semi-official envelope hand carried to Lieut. Col. H. D. Ogden, A. D. Camp to Maj. Genl Lovell, Jackson, Miss; tear at upper left and right edge. Matching letterhead imprinted Headquarters, Louisina Army, Adjutant General’s Office, Alexandria,  20 April 1863 / Special Orders, No. 36 ordering Major H. D. Odgen of the General Staff to command the Infantry forces and will report to Brig Gen. Thos E. Vick for orders. By Command of Tho[mas] O Moore, Gov[ernor of Louisiana] & Commr in Chief, John H. Bernos, Asst Adj Genl. COLONEL HENRY D. OGDEN was First Commander of the Louisiana Native Guard (1861-62) which was a unit comprised of Free Men of Color of which Col. Ogden was the white commander. All of the line officers were men of color. These free men of color were property owners and identified closer to the white population than the non-white sector of New Orleans. Ogden assumed responsibilities in the Western area of Louisiana threatened by Union forces moving up the Teche. Very fine, a rare imprint showing the "Army of Louisiana" and scarce piece of little known history.  $400.

Confederate use of captured U.S. Ordnance Bureau envelope utilized by South Carolina Militia forces after the capture of the Charleston Arsenal in December of 1860 by the 17th Regiment of Infantry, South Carolina Militia (S.C.M.). Handcarried to “Capt Thomas Ryan, Com[manding] late U.S. Arsenal” of the 17th South Carolina who had taken possession of the Arsenal. Pencil docketed April 26 [1861] two weeks after the firing on Ft. Sumter in Charleston Harbor on 12 April 1861. A nice collateral addition to a Confederate postal history collection . $125.

RICHMOND / VA light blurry cds with matching straightline FREE on legal size imprinted CSA Post Office Department, Official Business. Chief of the Finance Bureau imprinted official envelope signed Jno L Harrell addressed to Postmaster Fredericksburg, Va with docketing up left side indicating it is notice of appointement as postmaster. $500.